Tim VickeryJul 29, 2025, 11:20 AM ET
Tim VickeryJul 29, 2025, 11:20 AM ET
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Tournaments instantly become history, but they have ramifications. More than two weeks have passed since the final whistle blew at theFIFA Club World Cup, yet its impact is still being felt, not in trophy cabinets, but in transfer negotiations.
For some players at South American clubs, this wasn’t just another competition on the calendar. It was a chance to prove they belonged on bigger stages.
With scouts in the stands and clubs watching closely, the tournament became a launchpad. Perform well here, and a big move could transpire.
That’s exactly what happened. Several players have used the Club World Cup to boost their stock.
Here are some of the names who turned their performances into transfers.
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The Colombian was so impressive in Brazilian side Fluminense’s surprise ride to the semifinals of the Club World Cup. Arias was named man of the match in three games and made the official team of the tournament. And finally, he has made his move to Europe, joiningPremier Leagueside Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It should probably be surprising that Arias has taken this long to cross the Atlantic.
For the past three years, he has been one of the top players in South America. Fluminense signed him on the cheap in 2021, and perhaps even they were surprised by the progress he made in their colors.
An attacking midfielder, Arias usually featured for them playing from the right wing, becoming so important to the team that he was handed the liberty to wander infield. He excels at turning and surging away from his marker.
He also combines well and hits a mean set piece, made apparent when he scored against South Korean sideUlsan HDlast monthwith a superbly struck free kick.
He was key to the Fluminense side that won theCONMEBOL Libertadoresin 2023. At the end of the year, they were steamrolled byManchester Cityin the final of the Club World Cup. But amid the4-0 defeat, the Colombian stood out, carrying the fight to the opposition on his own.
After showing that he belonged in such company, it was surprising that he did not move in the winter window and even more so when he stayed put through the next one, in the middle of 2024.
By then, he had shone for theColombianational team in their run to the final of theCopa América, only this time in a very different role.
To accommodateJames Rodríguez, Arias was part of a disciplined midfield trio, highly effective in a much more restrictive role. He had demonstrated his versatility, his ability to prioritize the collective’s needs over his own, yet the big money offer still did not come. Finally, the Club World Cup gave him the stage, and he used it to seal the move to Wolves.
Source: Espnsoccer
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